Martin O'Neill says it is too early to discuss a permanent deal for Danny Rose at Sunderland and just hopes Tottenham Hotspur do not recall the full-back in January.
Rose is on a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light and the England Under-21 international has impressed in making 14 appearances for Sunderland.
The left-back, who can also play in midfield, has previously said he would be keen to join the Black Cats permanently and O'Neill has been delighted with the 22-year-old's contribution.
However, the Sunderland manager's biggest concern is the possibility of his Tottenham counterpart Andre Villas-Boas summoning Rose back to White Hart Lane next month.
"It's very premature to talk about a permanent move because we haven't discussed it with Tottenham," said O'Neill in the Daily Mirror.
"The reaction of our crowd suggests they'd like to have him permanently but there's a way to go before that happens.
"Tottenham have the ability to recall Danny in January. If that's the case, I'm just trying to enjoy him being here with us.
"He knows there are areas where he can improve, but he's pleased with his performances and is enjoying it here immensely.
"He's also taking on extra responsibility going forward. He's not just a defensive full-back."
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City, who on Friday reported annual losses of ?97.9million and increased turnover of ?231.1million, were said to be on the brink of being awarded a franchise that would be based in the Queens district of New York.
It had been suggested David Beckham had been approached to be part of the scheme, which was to be named New York City Football Club and cost Blues owner Sheikh Mansour ?100million.
However, Manchester City officials have now distanced themselves from the talk.
"Manchester City are not buying an MLS club," said City in a short statement.
Sheikh Mansour has used his involvement with City, on which he has now lavished well in excess of ?1billion, to raise the profile of Abu Dhabi.
It was suggested an involvement within the MLS would add to the work that has taken place turning City from a mid-ranking Premier League club into last season's champions.
A second MLS franchise in New York is set to be based in Queens, close to the site of Flushing Meadows, which currently hosts the US Open in tennis.
